Author: Gugu Lourie

Sustainable chemicals producer SUISO has signed a Basic Engineering Design (BEP) contract with Chinese engineering firm ECEC to construct the R31.5-billion ($1.6 billion) Hiryo coal-to-fertiliser industrial complex in Kriel, Mpumalanga. The agreement was finalised in dual signing ceremonies in Johannesburg and Hefei on 13 August, following ECEC’s selection from a competitive bidding process. ECEC (East China Engineering Science and Technology Co. Ltd), a subsidiary of China National Chemical Engineering Co., is a Shenzhen-listed firm with a global reputation, having completed over 2,200 projects in chemicals, power,and green energy. “This exciting transaction saw five engineering firms bidding over two years, with ECEC emerging as the winner,” said Gerhard Potgieter, SUISO’s Director of Engineering and the…

Elon Musk’s SpaceX’s satellite internet venture, Starlink, has formally endorsed South Africa’s proposed Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) policy reforms, advocating for Equity Equivalent Investment Programmes (EEIPs) as an alternative to the mandatory 30% black ownership requirement for telecom license holders. In an exclusive written response obtained by TechFinancials, Ryan Goodnight, Senior Director of Starlink Market Access, stated: “SpaceX commends the Department for this timely policy direction and welcomes the opportunity to discuss our response with the Department at your earliest convenience.” The statement follows SpaceX’s submission to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) regarding its Proposed Policy Direction on B-BBEE alignment in the ICT sector,…

AdvannoTech, a 100% black-owned Internet of Things (IoT) solution provider, is transforming South African industries through its innovative partnership with Telkom Consumer and Small Business. This collaboration has propelled AdvannoTech from enterprise development to supplier development, unlocking national market opportunities and accelerating growth. “Becoming a solutions partner for Telkom Consumer has been transformational,” said Xolani Zuma, CEO of AdvannoTech.  “Telkom’s endorsement as a trusted national brand gives our clients confidence in our technology, while their extensive market reach has opened doors to enterprise-level opportunities across South Africa.” A strategic collaboration driving innovation Dr. Mmaki Jantjies, Telkom Group’s Executive for Innovation and Transformation,…

Anushka Bogdanov, founder of ESG data science firm Risk Insights and former EOH director, has stepped down from her consultancy following a Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) ruling. The JSE imposed a R500,000 fine and a 10-year directorship ban after discovering she falsely claimed to hold a PhD from the London Business School. Bogdanov served as an independent non-executive director at EOH Holdings (now iOCO) from June 2019 until her resignation in July 2020. During her tenure, her CV and JSE declarations stated she held a PhD in International Financial Management and Mathematics from the London Business School. However, EOH later found she…

Vodacom today announced that it has received the go-ahead from South Africa’s Competition Appeal Court to proceed with its proposed acquisition of a 30% stake in Maziv, the entity that houses all the fibre assets owned by Community Investments Ventures Holdings (CIVH), including Vumatel and Dark Fibre Africa. The acquisition is subject to a set of revised conditions, proposed by the merger parties and the Competition Commission ahead of the Competition Appeal Court hearing on 22 July 2025. This approval marks a significant milestone in Vodacom’s strategic efforts to expand its fibre footprint and enhance digital connectivity across South Africa.…

“Wait, who is this car actually for?” My wife’s WhatsApp video call froze mid-sentence as I proudly panned the camera across the Volvo EX30 Cross Country’s rugged silhouette against Bronkhorstspruit’s golden light. When the WhatsApp video call connection stabilised, I saw her eyes alight with that particular spark, half curiosity, half challenge. She wasn’t asking about the usual suspects, not the suburban adventurers or safety-conscious families who’ve long loved Volvo’s Cross Country lineage. Her question cut deeper: “Who’s the new dreamer this car is meant for?” The answer unfolded like a map to uncharted territory: South Africa’s burgeoning tribe of…

Nedbank Group, a top South African financial services provider, has announced a binding agreement to acquire 100% of fintech innovator iKhokha in an all-cash deal worth approximately R1.65 billion (subject to adjustments). This acquisition reinforces Nedbank’s strategy to enhance digital financial solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The transaction, pending regulatory approvals, is expected to finalize in the coming months. Founded in 2012, iKhokha has become a trusted partner for South African entrepreneurs, offering affordable payment solutions and business management tools. Post-acquisition, iKhokha will operate as a wholly owned Nedbank subsidiary while retaining its brand and leadership. Strategic Alignment…

Airtel Africa and Vodacom Group have entered a strategic infrastructure-sharing agreement in key African markets, including Mozambique, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), pending regulatory approvals. The collaboration, focused on fibre networks and tower sharing, aims to accelerate digital services, reduce costs, and enhance connectivity for millions. By pooling resources, the partnership will deliver faster internet, broader coverage, and more reliable services, particularly in underserved regions. This move supports both companies’ goals of closing Africa’s digital divide while driving economic growth through improved access to mobile, fixed, and financial services. Vodacom’s Vision: A Connected, Inclusive Africa Vodacom Group…

JSE-listed fintech group reports 48% profit surge for the six-month period ending 30 June 2025, fueled by rapid customer growth and AI-driven efficiency Weaver Fintech, formerly Homechoice International, continues its impressive growth trajectory, with its trading brands Finchoice and PayJustNow adding more than 110,000 new customers per month. This surge in user acquisition has contributed to a 48% increase in profit before tax, reaching R370 million for the six months ending June 2025, up from R250 million in the prior period. Strong Financial Performance Driven by Fintech Dominance The group’s latest interim results reveal a 29% revenue growth to R2.6 billion, up from R2 billion in H1 2024. The Fintech division, which now accounts for 98%…

As TechFinancials, we love testing innovative gadgets that simplify work for entrepreneurs and creatives. The GoPrinter 12.7mm Handheld Printer from AM.CO.ZA (Advanced Machinery) exceeded our expectations, so much so that we believe market vendors, crafters and artists will find it as game changing as we did. Why GoPrinter Stands Out This compact, battery-powered printer lets you print logos, barcodes, QR codes, and custom text on almost any surface, plastic, glass, wood, ceramic and even fabric with a simple swipe. No cables, no bulky setup. Just portable, high-quality printing wherever you need it. Our Hands-On Experience AM.CO.ZA sent us the Dry Adsorption cartridge (optimised for non-absorbent surfaces like…